Non-Motorized Boating by District Cascade Warm Lake is situated in a scenic forest of towering, old-growth ponderosa pines about 25 miles east of Cascade, Idaho. The lake sits at an elevation of about 5,300 feet. Motorized and non-motorized boating and swimming are popular activities. A public boat launch is located across from Shoreline Campground. The North Shore Lodge also provides a private boat ramp for their guests. Non-motorized boaters should be aware that the Valley County Sheriff’s Office has boating restrictions in place on Warm Lake that limit speed for motorized users during certain hours. This may be important in choosing your time to enjoy non-motorized boating. Cascade Reservoir is managed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Boise National Forest’s Cascade Ranger District manages French Creek Campground and boat dock in the southwest portion. The reservoir offers boating of all types. Non-motorized users most often use small sail boats, paddleboards, etc. in the far south or far north sections of the reservoir. Emmett Payette River Complex – The Payette River Complex is a partnership between the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in managing river recreation sites along the South Fork Payette River and Main Payette River. The complex consists of 7 developed day-use sites. For more information, go to Payette River pass information on the Boise NF Website listed under passes and permits. The Main Payette River from Banks to Beehive Bend is a popular stretch of river for non-motorized watercraft enthusiasts. The put-in at Banks, ideally situated at the confluence of the North and South forks of the Payette, is the hub of river running in the area. This Class III, 7-mile stretch is ideal for novices and intermediates. Because of its proximity to Boise and to other good runs in the area, the lower South Fork Payette River is one of the most popular runs in Idaho. It runs 4.5 miles from the Deer Creek River Access to Banks and is a Class III/IV run. It combines mostly short rapids with easy access and clear scouting from the road. The most significant rapid is Staircase, about two miles upstream from the take-out in Banks. Staircase Rapids is rated Class IV, as is another rapid located about a half-mile from the take-out at Banks called Slalom Rapids. Both should be limited to experienced rafters. For a less intense run, on a beautiful stretch of the South Fork Payette River visitors will enjoy a float through the Swirly Canyon, just upstream from Garden Valley. This section is named for its strong eddies and wave dynamics and is Class II/III. The put-in is at the Danskin River Access and ends at the Alder Creek Bridge for a 6-mile run. Or boaters can continue to the Confluence River Access about 5 miles further. While driving along Highway 55, the North Fork Payette River winds its way between Banks and Smiths Ferry offering some of the most extreme whitewater in Idaho. This section of the North Fork is 16 miles of consistent Class V rapids, where expert skills are a must. Kayaks, catarafts, and occasionally creature crafts and rafts are seen navigating their way through the whitewater. The North Fork Championship race is held each year in June and hosts some of the best kayakers in the world. Located off FS Road 698 from the community of Crouch, the Middle Fork Payette River offers whitewater kayaking opportunities. The Middle Fork relies on the snow pack and run off, so is at its deepest during late spring/early summer. The two sections of the Middle Fork that are most often used are from the bridge just before Hardscrabble Campground to Tie Creek Campground, which is a 4-mile, Class II run with two Class IV rapids; and from West Fork Bridge to Trail Creek Hot Springs, a 3-mile, Class IV run. There may be mandatory portages due to wood in the river. Scouting is advised. Also in this area is the Boiling Springs cabin, a beautiful rental situated along the Middle Fork River with access to trails and hot springs. Sage Hen Reservoir is the only waterway in the Emmett Ranger District that allows power boat use, but there is a 15 mph speed limit. Most often, the reservoir is used for canoes, kayaks, rafts and float tubes. Boat ramps are available at Antelope and Sage Hen Creek Campgrounds. This 270-acre reservoir was created primarily for irrigation purposes, but is also valued for boating, fishing and camping at one of the six campgrounds in the area, four of which are on the shoreline. At 4,950 feet in elevation, the hot summer days are cooler at the reservoir. The waterline can be low due to use for irrigation, so it’s best to check with the Emmett Ranger District at (208) 365-7000 before heading out if that is a concern. Idaho City Jennie Lake is a 4-acre, high-alpine lake that sits at just over 7,800 feet. It’s a bit of a trek to get to the lake, but visitors are rewarded with spectacular scenery and great float tubing possibilities. From Highway 21 at Edna Creek, take FS Road 384 to the Jennie Lake trailhead (#197). It is then about a 4- mile hike, largely uphill, to the lake. 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended on the access roads. Lowman Deadwood Reservoir is located northwest of Boise and about 65 miles southeast of the town of Cascade. From Cascade, the road is paved to Landmark, and then is dirt and gravel to the reservoir. The other main access is from the Banks-Lowman Road, turn onto FS Road 555 about 9 miles from Garden Valley. This road is steep and rocky, so high-clearance vehicles are recommended. This pristine high- mountain body sits at an elevation of just over 5,300 feet. The 3,000 acre reservoir is great for motorized and non-motorized boating and has 21 miles of shoreline. There is a boat ramp at Cozy Cove Campground on the south end of the reservoir. Many recreationists also launch from Reclamation Point, even though there is no ramp. There are four campgrounds located in the pine forest surrounding the scenic reservoir. Back coves and the inlet are particularly nice for canoeing and float tubing. Additionally, miles of trails abound in the area for hikers, bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. At an elevation of 6,900’, beautiful Bull Trout Lake is a cooler location in the summer months to enjoy canoeing and other non-motorized boating. Access is usually not available until mid-June due to snow. Nestled among a forest of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine, the lake offers an accessible dock and an adjacent campground that fills up quickly during the summer. Many miles of trails are also in the area for hiking, horseback riding, mountain bike riding and off-road vehicle use. Mountain Home Anderson Ranch Reservoir is the perfect place for almost any type of watercraft! Recreationists enjoy jet skiing, water skiing, sail boating and windsurfing here. Boat launching facilities and docks are located at Curlew Creek and Pine ramps. The Pine ramp launches into shallow water which dries up as the summer progresses. The Middle Fork Boise River is a popular destination for float tubing, rafting, canoeing and kayaking, mainly near Arrowrock Reservoir. There are no developed launch facilities along the river. On the South Fork Boise River, there are several opportunities for non-motorized boaters between Anderson Ranch and Arrowrock reservoirs. Due to a large wildfire in the area in 2013, the area is closed to overnight camping until further notice. One popular run puts in at Danskin boat launch. Vehicles are not allowed overnight at Danskin due to the wildfire closure. The first 3 miles of this challenging 16-mile run are fairly flat, providing a chance to warm up and enjoy the scenery. From this point on the river is lively and is rated Class III to Class IV. Take-out for this run is the Neal Bridge on Blacks Creek Road. Another popular route starts at Tailwater boat ramp with multiple take-out options. Boat ramps are available at Tailwater and Danskin. The Bureau of Reclamation releases more water from Anderson Ranch Reservoir in mid-August to early September. The water is cold as it is released from the bottom of the reservoir and it is a narrow canyon. You'll spend a full day away from the South Fork Boise River Road, so be prepared. .